PVL Semis: Chery Tiggo stays alive, forces rubber match

 

Jaja Santiago recovered in time with a 13-point Game 2 outing as Chery Tiggo stays alive. PVL Media Bureau  

By Ricky Manliguis

MANILA, Philippines – Chery Tiggo came into Game 2 with a mission: to stay alive in its Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference semifinal clash with Choco Mucho. And it did.

Jaja Santiago returned to her fiery form in guiding the Crossover to a 25-18, 25-22, 26-24 win over the Flying Titans to force a winner-take-all Game 3 at the the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte Monday afternoon. 

After scoring just nine markers in the series opener last night, the six-foot-five Santiago flaunted her might in time as she tallied 13 points featuring eight attacks and two blocks. She also had three service aces, including the game-winner. 

The Flying Titans kept the game interesting with furious rallies all throughout the match, especially in the third, but Chery Tiggo was simply unstoppable to fashion out the win in an hour and 37 minutes. 

Dindin Santiago-Manabat churned our 19 markers on 16 attacks while Mylene Paat contributed 10 and 18 digs for the Crossover, which imposed its attacking prowess with 44 kills and 12 service aces. Jasmine Nabor had a field day with 26 excellent sets. 

Kat Tolentino paced Choco Mucho with 14 points, but got only seven points from Maddie Madayag. Caitlyn Viray cam off the bench for six markers, while Bea De Leon and Ponggay Gaston struggled with five apiece.   

Game 3 is set tomorrow at 5pm with both teams hoping for overcome the physical grind of playing in consecutive days for a shot in the finals.  

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